Black and Gold for the Swoosh

Olivier Rousteing is best known for his opulent aesthetic, celebrity squad and pop cultural muses. However, what you might not know is that Rousteing is also a keen football fan. “I love football, I played football!” Rousteing declares with unmistakably genuine enthusiasm. Nike becomes the first brand to collaborate alongside Olivier Rousteing as a designer outside of Balmain, and the first images of the collection have been unveiled.

This collaboration named, Nikelab x Olivier Rousteing: Football Nouveau, has put a dark glamorous spin on a selection of functional sportswear pieces for both women and men, which have been rendered in a black and gold color scheme. According to Vogue, the pairing began alomost a year ago, when Nike approached Rousteing about the possibility of working together, and the designer was thrilled. “I said yes, obviously. Nike is a great brand—more than a brand! When I was a kid, I wore Nike! I was really proud that they came to me," said Rousteing. Highlights include matching tees and shorts detailed with gold trimming and drawstring closures, while the sleek light outerwear pieces boast a similar makeup but with additional zip detailing. Hints of dark grey are also seen throughout the range. “I was inspired by winning when I created the collection. Being the champion and what is a champion. I love champions. I wanted to bring the gold and the glam in a soccer player’s story," said Rousteing. Asked for his favorite creations from the collection, he cites “the body-con dress for the ladies—I am really proud of that,” and the crop top, because “it has a hip-hop dancer/singer feeling.” the designer goes on to say.

The NikeLab x Olivier Rousteing: Football Nouveau collection drops on June 2nd in NikeLab retailers and its online store.